On November 15, EQT Infrastructure II announced that it had completed the acquisition of GB Railfreight from Groupe EuroTunnel through an indirectly owned company within the Hector Rail group. Founded in 1999 by the current CEO John Smith, GB Railfreight is the third largest rail freight operator in the UK, and provides a wide range of rail transport solutions and rail services.

Bo Lerenius, Industrial Advisor to EQT and Chairman of the Hector Rail Group, says: “As one of the UK’s leading rail freight operators, GB Railfreight has proven its strength in the rail industry. The focus on innovation and delivery of outstanding customer service are two key factors that make us believe that GB Railfreight is an excellent fit with Hector Rail.”

Hector Rail has since its inception in 2004 established itself as a powerful player in the rail market. With a strong customer focus, the business has grown to produce six million train kilometers annually. During the same time Hector Rail has invested over SEK 800 million (approximately EUR 90 million) in the loco fleet consisting of approximately 50 line haul locomotives. EQT Infrastructure II now enters as new majority owner of the company. EQT's ownership strengthens Hector Rail further and lays the foundation for further expansion and growth.

Hector Rail operates trains in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Germany. Hector Rail's customers are large industrial and transport companies. For these customers cost-effectiveness and quality are crucial criteria when selecting transportation partners. Financial stability and sustainability are also of fundamental importance.

Together with EQT Hector Rail will be able to continue developing the attractive offering in the rail market. The change in ownership is highly beneficial for Hector Rail’s continued expansion.

EQT views Hector Rail as a well-run business with a strong track record and an excellent reputation. EQT believes the railway will gain market shares going forward and has the ambition to realise substantial value creation opportunities together with the Company

The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2014 after customary anti-trust approvals.

Rarely seen locomotives, at least on this website, are Hector Rail 441.001 and 002. A picture of the 002, in Krefeld yesterday. On 21.09.2013, the machine arrived in Germany. - AS

On 01.10.2013 the locomotive arrived in Linz, Austria, for an overhaul. - AK

2009-09-13

[DE] Open door day in Dessau

update 2009|09|13

[DE] Open door day in Dessau

Today, the work shops of Dessau, one of the most important in Germany, had an open door day. Some impressions here!

Concerning modern electrics, many interestings locomotives were listed;
-> Because of the crisis, many DB Schenker electrics are taken out of service. This also concerns modern locomotives of the 152 and 185 series, when they are due for an overhaul. In Dessau, 185 007, 008, 011, 012, 014, 015, 016, 019 and 041 are stabled, waiting for more prosperous times.
-> Next to that, several DB Schenker machines are stored in Dessau after an accident, for example 152 108, 185 050, 185 112, 185 121 and 185 345. They were only working on repairing 152 108.
-> The economical crisis also effects the market for leasing and hiring locomotives. In Dessau several unemployed lease-locomotives can be found; ATC 145 097, ATC 145 098, ATC 185-CL 008, ATC 185-CL 009, ATC 185 515-4, and ATC 185 520-4.